Church doesn’t have to be complicated. Mostly when people think of church, they think of the more complicated versions. Weekly Sunday services – with musicians and singers, a minister who prepares and preaches a sermon, pews and notices and morning tea and children’s programs – then of course youth groups, women’s groups, charity programs, small group networks…. and when you’ve done it one week you start organising the next one. Imagine starting a church like this! I know some people who have and it’s a huge process that requires a lot of time, vision, planning and clever, capable people, not to mention a pastor with serious credentials (ministry qualifications, years of experience etc). Most of us would never imagine that we could do something like this. Even many pastors, like myself.

Bells Caloundra is a missional community that’s growing in a new area on the Sunny Coast, providing a space for people (anyone at all) to belong, to eat, to listen and learn, and to serve the community. Check out this 6min video where Phil explains some of the practices and principles that Bells is based on.…

Here’s a great little clip I’ve used with our group before. What makes us happy? SoulPancake conducted a little scientific experiment to find out. It’s a heartwarming video with a practical challenge you can do with your group. With my group, we watched the clip and each thought about the people who’ve impacted our lives.…

My brother-in-law Kim Anthony is running an interesting new group on the southside called LightGarden. The simple idea is to bring people together from different churches and denominations for conversation and encouragement, which is always a great idea in my opinion. But Kim tells it way better than I can. Check out this video to hear what he’s up…

Jas Gray has started a group called Bibleholics Anonymous in Brisbane. And he was recently given the chance to talk about it at a TEDx event! Here’s his 1 minute video, which explains how the group came about….

Thanks to Haydn for sharing his story. We’d love to hear yours too! 1. What are you doing? Our history: In January 2013 three families gathered on a back verandah over a meal and wine and took time to encourage one another and share our faith/church experience. It was obvious we all desired an authentic…

Over the last couple of years I have been inspired many times over by the stories I am hearing of God working in new and fresh ways. More and more people are rethinking what it means to follow Jesus and be the church of Jesus in our communities. Not just in one denomination, but seemingly in…

Happy New Year! Here’s a short audio clip with some great insights from Steve about praying for our groups. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to set some healthy habits like this. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

I have some interesting conversations in my work as a highschool chaplain. Yesterday I had a good one with one of the teachers at school about cultural differences. It came about because she wanted to support the chaplaincy program by putting on a morning tea and inviting the other teachers. For me that would have…

So far over 500 people are crazy enough to believe that they can change the world by living differently. These people have signed up to the challenge to spend a year living the way of Jesus. Based on the idea that we need to act ourselves into a new way of thinking, the Postcard Radio…

You don't have to sit in pews or sing songs to be a church. You don't have to pay a minister, or start a children's ministry, or buy a billion tiny cups to hold grape juice. Our Pathway is a network of leaders who are experimenting with simple and alternative-style churches and faith communities in QLD, Australia.